Scholarship Sets Up Sophomore to Serve

February 15, 2016

The George Washington University has always attracted young minds with a passion for politics. With its location in the heart of the nation’s capital and professors who possess practical political experience—many of whom still work nearby at the State Department or on Capitol Hill—GW is an ideal place to study for students like Sebastian Weinmann, CCAS ’18.

The Media, PA native knew that he wanted to study political science and that he wanted to do so in Washington, D.C. When he looked at GW, he saw the best place to do that.

“It wasn’t just the quality of the academics here, but also the resources the school would be able to provide, like the career centers, internships, and alumni connections,” Sebastian says. “I knew it was the right fit for my academic and professional development.”

What else about GW stood out to Sebastian? The university’s commitment to service.

“I’m an Eagle Scout, and through Boy Scouts, community service has been a big part of my life,” says the sophomore political science major. “I knew I had to go to a school where community service was a big part of the experience there.”

GW seemed to be the perfect fit for Sebastian, but for a time, it seemed like he would never make it to Foggy Bottom. Sebastian says that his parents made it very clear from the beginning that he wouldn’t be able to attend GW, his first choice school, without help.

Luckily, that help came in a scholarship award letter and the support of GW Power & Promise donors.

Established in 2009 to ensure that qualified students, regardless of financial resources, can take full advantage of a GW education, Power & Promise has helped students like Sebastian pursue their dreams.

“It feels reassuring and humbling to know that there is such a generous GW community, and I am so grateful for the support I have received from GW alumni, parents, and faculty,” says Sebastian. “I will be eternally grateful to all of the donors who made my scholarship possible. This scholarship truly changed my life.”

Sebastian has also been able to continue his dedication to community service through programs like Community Building Community (CBC) and says that these service experiences have helped change his worldview, especially opportunities like having personal discussions with people in the homeless community.

“It really opened my eyes and forced me to look at homelessness on a local level instead of as an abstract issue,” he says. “GW has given me so many unique opportunities that have promoted education, activism, and service—I couldn’t have asked for more.”

At GW, Sebastian has also discovered a passion for international affairs and hopes to combine his studies at the Elliott School of International Affairs (one of the top international affairs schools in the country) with his political science background.

“I want to have experience in both domestic and international service,” he says. “I’m interested in eventually running for office here at home, but first I want to spend time abroad as part of the State Department’s diplomatic corps or the U.S. Foreign Service, or possibly as part of the Peace Corps.”

Sebastian says he’s received a one-of-a-kind education at GW, both in and out of the classroom, thanks to his scholarship and is looking forward to more unique “Only at GW” experiences during his time here.

“Receiving my scholarship was just as exciting and relieving as receiving my admission to GW,” he says. “When I found out I received a scholarship, I knew immediately that my life was going to change, but I didn’t know just how amazing the journey would be along the way.”

Students like Sebastian are able to pursue their dreams thanks to the support of Power & Promise donors and the GW community.